Scoping a .22 Hornet for FP question

[Joe58]

Hi guys -

I'm setting up a 10" .22 Hornet barrel for field pistol, and I'm curious if others who use this caliber already, have went with a regular rifle scope, or had to go with a pistol scope due to recoil.

I'm thinking recoil with the Hornet should be fairly minimal and I'd like to be able to get away with using a rifle scope, but I don't want to be clunking my eyebrow either if it is a bit more stout than I'm envisioning.

Thanks!

Joe

[ole95]

I have shoot with some NRA guys that shoot Rifle scope with no problem on hornet and 32-20
When I 1st started I use a red dot with no problem.
I'm sure some more will chime in shortly with more details than I have
Thanks for asking and welcome aboard

[i26963]

I Don't think it will Be a problem with any scope you use. I use peep on peep sights on my Hornet for FP
And have no problem getting my face really close to the rear sight

[braud357]

I used a rifle scope on my 22 Hornet FP gun - I do use pretty light loads with a 55 grain bullet. No problems at all ! I also have a 14" 22 Hornet TC set up to shoot Practical Hunter Short Course. I shoot this forward prone (flop) with a rifle scope. No worries !

[StandingTall]

I use a rifle scope for .22 Hornet in field pistol. No issues with the loads I use.

[Joe58]

Great replies! The info is much appreciated.

Any secret loads? I've not messed with a Hornet before, always used my 32-20 barrel.

[Richard Pickering]

Joe, As others mention, you should have no trouble with a scoped Hornet. You will have to decide how much magnification you need and can use. Mine has a simple 4x. You could select a 3x9 that isn't too outsized and begin at 3 and move up as you need. You are going to chase a lot of movement.
If you are just beginning FP, you should concentrate on the close targets and let the others come along.
Another avenue is to use a 22LR in both Standing Unlimited Rimfire and in FP any sights. Yes, you may lose some hit rams, but you are learning to hold for good hits first.
The .22 offers good value in ammo costs and adds an extra Category for you. You can use the same settings.
With a base such as the Weaver 92a on a TC barrel and Clamp over rings, you can switch out scopes and go to UAS and fifth scale on one barrel. rp

[jcunclejoe]

I use a BSA 4-12x air rifle scope and it works great. I'm shooting a 65gr bullet and have no problems with knockdown or recoil.
Best of luck.

Joe

[Joe58]

Thanks for all the help guys.

My barrel came in so I'm going to throw a scope on it, shoot a few factory rounds to get the brass, and do some reloading. I've a lot of 52, 53, and 55 grain bullets on hand, so I'll probably try the 55 gr. SP to start with rather than hollowpoints.

Need to be ready by the 26th for the next match.

[phoenix555]

My partner uses peep sights, but I prefer the red dot on our .22 Hornets. With the peeps, I found I was getting a bit flinchy – whilst I've only changed over to the red dot recently, it feels more comfortably as I can hold it out a bit further.

We use 8.5gn of ADI 2205 (Aussie powder), with a 55gn Hornady pill.